On 16th and 17th October 2018, the Institute of Legislative Studies (ILS) of the Standing Committee, the National Assembly of Vietnam, in cooperation with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Southeast Asia (RLS SEA), organized a workshop on “The role of the labor representation and settlement of labor disputes –Current situation and solutions” in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.

This scientific workshop created a platform for experts, scientists from local and international organizations to exchange, discuss and propose effective solutions relating to the organization and functions of the labor representative for the workers in Vietnam. It is of great importance especially when Vietnam is joining CPTPP and finalizing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EUFTA).

According to the Deputy Director of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), the draft Bill on Labor is in need of changes to fit with international integration and one of the biggest changes will be the new choice of the workers to join the labor representing groups, either grassroots trade union (belonging to Vietnam General Confederation of Labor) or independent trade union (registered with the related authority). This brings new challenges to the State Trade Union to seek innovation from within, to fulfill the protecting role of a representing agent of workers all over Vietnam. It is believed that the participation of Vietnam in international agreements will promote and ensure the rights of workers, regardless gender and religion, towards building a society of justice and equality.